CATARRH

Hutt News, Volume 12, Issue 39, 22 March 1939, Page 1

CATARRH

(By H. K. and D. W. Adamson)) (Dietitians.)

Strictly speaking, the word catarrh implies an inflamatory condition of a mucous membrane, but to the layman the condition is invariably regarded as applying 'to a group of afflictions of the nose and throat passages. This lack of understanding in the part of the public is not to be wondered at, . because so many catarrhal disorders are found to be camouflaged under various names and according to their location. Thus, in addition to the various afflictions, which produce excessive discharges of mucous from the nose and throat, we find similar conditions existing in the stomach, colon and other sections of the digestive tract, as well as in the bladder and organs of sex, but which masquerade under the names of gastritis, cystitis, leucorrhea, etc. Of course, minor differences occur, but with the exception of a few types of catarrhal inflamation that are due to specific germ infection, practically all are due to the failure or inability of the usual excretory organs to cope with excessive loads of waste material that are thrust upon them. Now, in order that you may more clearly understand how closely these various disorders are related to one another through a common cause, we would like to remind you of the unending efforts of the body to rid itself of waste material. Life is a continuous process of building up and breaaing down, and all waste materials, not only those which accrue from the breaking down processes, but also those which are introduced into the body, either as excessive food or as foreign substances, have to be eliminated. Under ordinary circumstances, the organs of elimination, viz., the skin, the kidneys, the liver and the bowel, are quite capable of discharging normal amo.unts of waste, but if their capacity is overtaxed and the blood and other tissues become saturated with effete and other matter, then the body copes with the situation by resorting to a supplementary means of excretion, viz., through the mucous membranes. This is simply a choice between the lesser of two evils, for although it is quite a serious matter enough for excessive secretory matter to be discharged through mucous membranes, it would be infinitely more serious if this avenue of escape were not available. As it is, the mucous membranes become reddened and congested, and a vicious cycle of nervous and other symptoms may develop. Digestion is sadly interfered with, absorption remains incomplete, and chronic constipation often eventuates, but the complete breakdown which would otherwise occur, is postponed for a time at least. Catarrh is therefore a constitutional problem, and it should be apparent to all that any attempt to ameliorate the condition by tne local application of drenches, sprays, or gargles is the sheerest kind of folly. Most of these local remedies contain powereful drugs, which act as astringent's. They may even stop the local discharge, but they do not cure. They merely suppress the local symptoms for awhile, and

in doing so create a worse evil by putting the lid on one of Nature's safety valves. The fundamental cause of catarrh is an accumulation of waste material, and any attempt at a cure which does not take into consideration the removal ,of this waste and its future accumulation, is only a waste of time. The treatment, therefore, is obvious, and, we might add, it is as successful as it is obvious. First of all, the sufferer must in»ke every effort to prevent further accumulations of foreign matter and waste material by blocking their entry into his system. Tissue waste is, of course, continuous, but under ordinary conditions our excretory organs have no difficulty in handling them, but, when we add to these numerous foreign substances and unoxidisable matter in the form of preservatives, spices, chemicals, and straight-out poisons as alcohol, nicotine, oxalic acid, tannic acid and the numberless others contained in our food, or added to it, then our organs are apt to go on strike. Wrong foods and excesses of foods are the biggest contributing factors. This is particularly true of starches and sugars, which must be cut down to a minimum. In fact, a great many cases of catarrh are due to excesses of these two alone, and all that is necessary in these cases to re-establish normal functioning is to leave them out of the diet for a time and consume fruits and non-starchy vegetables in their place. In severe and chronic forms of catarrh we advise a short fast, or when this is impracticable, a three or four weeks' diet on fruits and vegetables alone. Breakfast may include various kinds of fresh ripe fruit and sweet dried fruit. Lunch or evening meal to consist of raw vegetable salads, and dinner of both cooked) and raw vegetables. All vegetables, excepting potatoes and kumeras. At the end of this period some lean meat, fish, cheese or other protein food may be added, and then, very gradually, small amounts of the starchy and sugary foods may be added, but always remember that the consumption of 'these will be governed entirely by the state of the catarrh. Then, in addition to a regulated diet, the sufferer must take measures to develop the excretory functions and to improve his general health. All out-door activities are good, particularly swimming, tramping and other pastimes which take one out into the pure air of the countryside or hills. The skin needs special attention in most cases, and its excretory function may be vastly improved by vigorous rubbing with a rough towel and also by sun and air baths, hot and cold water bathing, etc. The drinking of copious amounts of warm water is also advised, as this serves to flush both kidneys and bowels. Catarrh is usually regarded as a stubborn ailment to shift, as those who depend on local medicants have reason to believe, but a course of treatment as outlined above will convince the most sceptical that even the most chronic forms can be eradicated in time.